Knitting in the name of homelessness

21st June 2013

Kind-hearted people in Albury-Wodonga in Australia have come together for a workshops based around knitting and art to deliver various stories all based around homelessness.

They deployed a particular technique known as scumbling, which many people refer to as freeform crocheting and knitting. The work will be shown at the local library during Homeless Person Week in August.

It is basically a creative system that combines both disciplines into scrumbles – patches to all intents – resulting in a very tactile and visually stunning piece of fabric.

Speaking to ABC News, Nancy Rooke, one of the volunteers, said that this was an important gathering that would raise awareness of homelessness.

She explains that people without a home are more at risk than ever before, as well as being in a vulnerable position.

"The best way to help them is give them a bed, a good, clean bed, a feed and let's hope that they become involved in the mental health people," Ms Rooke told the online news provider.

"But they're very hard to get hold of because they're always on the move," she added, highlighting the challenges.

The weather in the country is extremely cold at present, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing.

In addition to scrumbling, the volunteers were eager to knit clothing and scarves that would be suitable in this kind of harsh environment. This kind of project can literally be a lifesaver.

In related news, knitters in Hertfordshire raised a massive £1,700 for two charities, including Children's Integrated Playschemes and Isabel Hospice.

They used their skills to make scarves, which all had a waterfall theme, clearly a popular garment given the amount of cash that was raised.

Children's Integrated Playschemes offer invaluable play and social opportunities for youngsters with additional needs aged between three and 19. It is run by parents and professionals who live locally.